Our Chair of Trustees, Karen Frank, has won a Non-Executive Director Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, governance and impact.
Karen was presented with her award in the not-for-profit and public sector category at an awards ceremony in London. She celebrated with our Chief Executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths and CSMO Prof Bryan Williams, alongside fellow trustees Mark Fitzpatrick, Mark Ashton Rigby, Prof Simon Ray and Roisin Donnelly.
Karen joined our Board of Trustees in 2019 and became Chair in 2024. Since then, she has sharpened our strategic focus around ambitious and measurable goals, strengthened board level oversight of risk, technology and cyber security, and championed translation of cardiovascular research to accelerate impact for patients. Karen is also a champion for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Karen Frank said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award, but I see it very much as recognition of the whole BHF family. From my fellow Trustees and our brilliant Executive team, to our colleagues, volunteers, researchers, fundraisers and supporters across the UK - this work is only possible because of their dedication, expertise and generosity. Together, we’re focused on one shared purpose: saving and improving lives, and this award belongs to all of them together.”
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, said: "We are thrilled to see Karen recognised as an exceptional Chair who is thoughtful, courageous and deeply committed to our BHF mission. But what truly sets Karen apart is the way she leads with a clear focus on service. She constantly shines a light on the collective effort behind our impact, and on the people who make BHF the special organisation it is in driving progress to give people more time with their loved ones."
Karen brings extensive senior leadership and investment experience from across global financial services. She was formerly Executive Managing Director at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, where she was responsible for a $70bn global equities portfolio, and previously served as CEO of Barclays Global Private Bank. She began her career in private equity and investment banking and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.
The Non-Executive Director Awards in association with Peel Hunt celebrate excellence in board leadership across UK business, charities and the public sector, recognising individuals who provide outstanding challenge, support and stewardship at board level.
Find out more about our Trustees here
